The holiday season is fast approaching, and this year the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA) is looking to make Neighborhood Toy Store Month bigger and better than ever before!
Throughout the month of November, Neighborhood Toy Store Month will serve as more than just a promotional event as the toy and game industries join together with families and communities to celebrate local toy stores. As ASTRA says “these local toy stores aren’t just places where kids and families shop; they are centers of creativity, imagination, and learning.” November will also be a showcase for Play Education through MESH (Mental, Emotional, Social Health) and ASTRA’s Certified Play Expert (CPE) Program.
Manufacturers:
ASTRA is seeking support from manufacturers of all sizes that can offer any of the following to participating independent retailers in the U.S. and Canada:
- Play Day Kits
- Freight Deals
- Special Discounts
- Extended Dating
- Special Offerings/Giveaways
- Raffle Items
- Bag Stuffers
- Low Minimum Order Amount
- Special offerings such as in-store or digital marketing tools, virtual/Zoom game demos, meet and greets with toy and game inventors.
The deadline to sign up is September 1. To pledge your support, please fill out this form and an ASTRA representative will be in touch.
Retailers:
ASTRA members are encouraged to start making plans for Neighborhood Toy Store Month today! Interested retailers should sign up using this form by September 15. Why sign up early? Here are five great reasons:
- Be in the Spotlight: Secure your place in promotional materials and social media campaigns, gaining more attention from customers.
- Build Local Partnerships: Use the resources ASTRA will provide to team up with local charities or nonprofits for joint promotions.
- Highlight Your Special Toys & Games: Show off your unique selection, attracting families seeking memorable gifts.
- Create Anticipation: Build excitement by promoting the event in advance and driving foot traffic to your store.
- Connect with Suppliers: Collaborate with manufacturers for exclusive deals and offers.
To learn more about Neighborhood Toy Store Month, visit astratoy.org and get involved today!
Bonus:
Independent retailers in the U.S. that are looking to offer consumers a little extra holiday cheer can sign up to receive FREE copies of The Toy Insider’s 2023 Holiday Gift Guide in print! Now through 12 pm ET on Aug. 24, 2023, retailers that sign up via this link can receive up to five boxes of Holiday Gift Guides free of charge.
The Toy Insider Holiday Gift Guide will feature more than 350 toys for kids of all ages, broken down by age group to make for an easy-to-use holiday shopping reference. The guide also includes The Toy Insider’s iconic Hot 20, 12 Under $20, and STEM 10 lists. Now in its 18th year, The Toy Insider is a trusted resource for parents and gift-givers all year long — and published by the same trusted team that brings you The Toy Book! The Toy Insider is not affiliated with any one retailer and includes a variety of specialty toys in its mix of top gift picks. Click here to reserve your copies.
